The Rolex Submariner Date reference 16610 holds a special place in the hearts of watch collectors. Produced from 1988 to 2010, this iteration of the iconic dive watch represents a significant chapter in Rolex's history, bridging the gap between the classic Submariner and the modern models we see today. Its relatively long production run, coupled with subtle yet significant changes throughout its lifespan, has created a diverse and fascinating array of variations, each with its own unique appeal and collector value. This article will delve into the intricacies of the Rolex Submariner 16610, exploring its specifications, price variations, best production years, and overall desirability in the contemporary market.
Rolex Submariner 16610 Specs:
The Rolex Submariner 16610, at its core, maintains the fundamental characteristics that define the Submariner lineage: robustness, reliability, and a timeless design. The key specifications include:
* Case: 40mm Oyster case in stainless steel, featuring a unidirectional rotating bezel with a graduated 60-minute scale. The case is water-resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet). The crown is screw-down, contributing to the water resistance.
* Movement: Caliber 3135, an automatic self-winding mechanical movement, entirely manufactured by Rolex. This movement is renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and power reserve of approximately 48 hours. It incorporates a date function, displayed through a cyclops lens magnifying the date window at 3 o'clock. A significant change during the 16610's production run involved the transition from radioactive tritium lume to non-radioactive LumiNova.
* Crystal: Sapphire crystal, highly resistant to scratches.
* Dial: Various dial variations exist, including black, and less commonly, variations in colour and patina. The dial features luminous hour markers and hands.
* Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with solid end links, equipped with the Rolex Glidelock extension system for easy adjustment without tools.
Rolex Submariner 16610 Best Years:
Pinpointing the "best" years for the Rolex Submariner 16610 is subjective and often depends on individual preferences. However, certain years and variations command higher prices and greater collector interest. This is largely due to subtle changes in the dial, hands, and the movement itself.
Collectors often prioritize watches with:
* Tritium dials: While containing radioactive material, these early production 16610s with tritium lume often exhibit a unique and desirable creamy patina over time. The transition to LumiNova generally started around the mid-to-late 1990s. These early pieces, therefore, represent a specific period of the watch’s history.
* Mark I, II, and III dials: These designations refer to subtle differences in the dial's printing and font style. These minute variations contribute to the appeal of specific years of production, and collectors often focus their searches on specific markings.
* Specific serial numbers: Collectors often seek watches within certain serial number ranges, correlating to specific years of production, believing these ranges to possess certain characteristics or to have been produced during a time of particular quality control.
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